Minimum Wage Calculator
Calculate your gross pay based on UK minimum wage rates effective from April 2025. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour. At a standard 37.5-hour week, that produces £457.88 gross weekly, approximately £1,984 monthly, and £23,809 annually before deductions.
Calculate Your Minimum Wage Pay
Select your age group and enter your weekly hours to see your gross pay breakdown at the correct minimum wage rate.
UK Minimum Wage Rates from April 2025
UK minimum wage law sets different hourly rates depending on age and apprenticeship status. The National Living Wage (NLW) is the top legal band for workers aged 21 and over.
| Worker category | Rate from April 2025 | Previous rate | Hourly change | Weekly gross at 37.5h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 | £11.44 | +£0.77 | £457.88 |
| Age 18-20 | £10.00 | £8.60 | +£1.40 | £375.00 |
| Under 18 | £7.55 | £6.40 | +£1.15 | £283.13 |
| Apprentice | £7.55 | £6.40 | +£1.15 | £283.13 |
Weekly totals above are gross figures only. Actual net pay will be lower once income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and other payroll deductions are applied.
Reporting Underpayment
If you discover you are being paid less than the statutory minimum:
- Talk to your employer: It might be a payroll error that can be easily fixed.
- Contact ACAS: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service provides free, impartial advice on employment rights.
- Report to HMRC: You can report an employer anonymously to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). They have the power to investigate, issue fines (up to 200% of the arrears), and name and shame non-compliant employers.
Comparison: April 2025 vs April 2026
The increase to the National Living Wage in 2026 represents a continued effort to align wages with the cost of living. In April 2025, the rates were lower, and the gap between the 18-20 rate and the 21+ rate was different. The 2026 update to £12.21 for those 21+ ensures that full-time workers see a tangible increase in their annual earnings, pushing the base full-time salary towards the £24k mark.
Accommodation Offset
If your employer provides you with accommodation (e.g., you live on a farm or in a hotel where you work), they can take this into account when calculating your pay. This is known as the "accommodation offset." There is a daily limit to how much can be offset against the minimum wage. If your employer charges more than the offset rate for rent, the excess amount is taken off your pay for minimum wage calculations.
Understanding Minimum Wage Calculator
UK salary calculations involve multiple deductions from your gross pay before you receive your net take-home amount. This tool applies the current 2025/26 tax year rates to give you an accurate picture of your actual earnings after income tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.
Knowing your precise take-home pay is essential for budgeting, comparing job offers, and understanding how pay rises affect your monthly income. Due to progressive tax rates, a £5,000 pay rise does not translate to £5,000 more in your pocket.
Key Information for 2025/26
The UK personal allowance is £12,570, meaning no income tax on the first £12,570 of earnings. The basic rate of 20% applies from £12,571 to £50,270. The higher rate of 40% applies from £50,271 to £125,140. Employee National Insurance is 8% between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above.
Example Calculation
On a £35,000 salary, you pay £4,486 income tax and £1,794 National Insurance, giving take-home pay of £28,720 per year or £2,393 per month. Adding a 5% pension contribution via salary sacrifice reduces take-home by £1,260 but puts £1,750 into your pension.
Source: Based on official HMRC 2025/26 tax rates and thresholds. Last updated March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is entitled to the National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage applies to any worker aged 21 and over. Before 2024, the age threshold was 23, but it has since been lowered to include younger workers.
What is the difference between NMW and NLW?
The National Living Wage (NLW) is essentially the highest tier of the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The NMW refers to the rates for those under 21 and apprentices, while the NLW refers to the rate for those 21+.
Can I opt out of the minimum wage?
No. You cannot sign away your rights to the minimum wage. Even if you agree to work for less in writing, that agreement is not legally binding, and your employer is still breaking the law.
Does the minimum wage change every year?
Yes, the rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission (LPC), who make recommendations to the government. New rates typically come into effect on April 1st of each year.
Are interns entitled to minimum wage?
It depends on their employment status. If an intern is classed as a "worker" (e.g., they have set hours and duties), they are usually entitled to the minimum wage. Voluntary workers at a charity or students doing a work placement as part of a course are typically exempt.
Page owner: ukcalculator.com | Author: Mustafa Bilgic (MB) | datePublished: 2025-01-01 | dateModified: 2026-03-03